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If you think a good Scotch has to come with a jaw-dropping price tag, think again. Whisky — the golden elixir that’s seen friendships sealed, heartbreaks soothed, and office promotions toasted — doesn’t always have to make your wallet weep. In fact, India’s growing love affair with Scotch has led to a wonderful thing: premium labels that taste like a dream but cost less than a fancy dinner date. From the deep caramel notes of a well-aged blend to the light peat whisper of a Highland malt, there’s a dram for every mood and palate. Picture this — a cosy evening, your favourite glass in hand, and a pour so smooth it feels like velvet on the tongue. That’s the beauty of a good Scotch — it doesn’t need to flaunt its price to make an impression. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your home bar without torching your savings, here’s a handpicked list of seven stellar Scotch whiskies under Rs 5,000 that promise pure pleasure with every sip. Consider this your cheat sheet to affordable sophistication. 1. Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old A timeless classic and a crowd favourite, Johnnie Walker Black Label is like that well-dressed friend who never disappoints. Aged for 12 years, this blended Scotch brings together whiskies from all corners of Scotland — each adding its own charm. Expect an orchestra of vanilla, dried fruits, and caramel notes, layered with a gentle hint of peat smoke. The finish lingers long enough to make you reconsider pouring a second one (you will). Price: Rs 4,200 Fun fact: Johnnie Walker’s signature striding man logo was designed in 1908 — and he’s been confidently walking ever since. 2. Monkey Shoulder This playful Speyside blend has a name that might make you chuckle, but don’t underestimate it. “Monkey Shoulder” was once a term used to describe malt men who hand-turned barley — a nod to whisky’s old-school craft. Today, the bottle carries a reputation for smooth, sweet, and rich flavours. Think zesty orange, mellow vanilla, honey, and butterscotch with a touch of oak. Price: Rs 4,990 Pro tip: It’s one of the few premium whiskies that mix brilliantly in cocktails without losing its personality. 3. Ballantine’s 12 Year Old If sophistication had a liquid form, it would taste like Ballantine’s 12. Light, honeyed, and refined, this Scotch is the perfect companion for celebratory nights or long conversations. The balance of oak, spice, and soft florals gives it an easy charm that even whisky beginners can appreciate. Add a splash of soda, sit back, and let it do the talking. Price: Rs 4,000 Fun fact: Ballantine’s roots go back to 1827, when George Ballantine opened a grocery store in Edinburgh — selling whisky before it was cool. 4. Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special Reserve Dewar’s 12 is like the friend who never brags but always delivers. Smooth, full-bodied, and layered, it carries notes of creamy toffee, spice, and malted barley with a whisper of smoke. A great Scotch to enjoy neat, though it’s forgiving enough to handle a cube or two of ice. Price: Rs 4,200 Pro tip: Dewar’s signature double-aging process gives its whiskies a uniquely silky finish — one reason it has won over 1,000 awards worldwide. 5. The Famous Grouse It may not strut around like the more expensive labels, but The Famous Grouse is one of Scotland’s best-selling blended whiskies for a reason. With aromas of toffee apples, biscuit-like barley, and hints of spice, it’s comfort in a glass. Ideal for casual evenings or social gatherings, it’s a bottle you’ll find yourself reaching for more often than you’d admit. Price: Rs 2,250 Fun fact: The brand’s cheeky grouse mascot is more than a logo — it’s a nod to Scotland’s game bird and a symbol of good luck. 6. Black & White Old-school charm meets easy-drinking simplicity. Black & White is light, fresh, and slightly smoky — a whisky that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is. The nose brings hints of oak and biscuits, while the palate dances between sweet vanilla and grainy spice. It’s a fantastic bottle to have on hand when friends drop by unannounced. Price: Rs 2,900 Fun fact: The two dogs on the label — a black Scottish Terrier and a white West Highland Terrier — were inspired by founder James Buchanan’s love for his pets. 7. Crazy Cock Dhua A relatively new entrant but one that’s already made waves, Crazy Cock Dhua is a bold Indian-made Scotch-style whisky that plays in the big league. On the nose, you’ll find gentle peat and smoke; on the palate, warm layers of raisin, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s rich, intense, and perfect for those who like their drams with character and complexity. Price: Rs 8,500 (750 ml) Note: Smaller bottles and duty-free pricing can bring it closer to Rs 5,000, depending on region and availability. Fun fact: “Dhua” literally means “smoke” in Hindi — a fitting name for a whisky that delivers just that in a bottle. You don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy fine Scotch — just good taste and a curious spirit. Whether you’re sipping Johnnie Walker after dinner, mixing a Monkey Shoulder cocktail, or indulging in a quiet nightcap of Dewar’s, each bottle on this list promises satisfaction without regret. So go on — pour yourself a dram, raise a toast to smart drinking, and remember: a whisky’s worth isn’t measured by its price tag but by the stories it inspires after the second glass.
